Barcelona, the tourism capital that has long been fighting against crowds, at least wins one battle: conquering the palates of travelers with its cocktails. Among the many drinks popular with visitors (and locals alike), the Bloody Mary stands out in both its classic form and its bold variations. Let’s dive into some of the best places to enjoy it.
Dr. Stravinsky: A Mediterranean Twist on the Bloody Mary
Located in the Born neighborhood, Dr. Stravinsky is nestled inside a 19th-century building. Here, guests are visually transported back to the days of old apothecaries, while enjoying innovative flavors created using cutting-edge techniques. Run by the Confiteria Group, Dr. Stravinsky is led by bar manager César Montilla, who is dedicated to offering an unparalleled experience. All ingredients are crafted in-house in their lab, where fermentation, maceration, fat-washing, and clarification transform each cocktail into a masterpiece.
Naturally, their latest menu includes a Mediterranean reinterpretation of the Bloody Mary, dubbed the Gregal. This recipe combines gin with sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated with water that’s then used to create a herb-infused tomato soda). The drink is finished off with a cordial made from spinach, arugula, olive oil, vinegar, and salt, giving it a pronounced herbaceous flavor. The finishing touch? A garnish of cherry tomatoes and feta cubes that highlights the bar’s artisanal approach and invites guests on a journey of taste in Spain.
Farola: A New Take on the Bloody Mary
Farola captures the soul of Barcelona in a glass. Tucked away like an oasis in the Born neighborhood, this spot steers clear of the tourist hustle and entices cocktail enthusiasts with its expertly crafted drinks. Its terrace on Rec Street provides the perfect stage to watch the local scene unfold while the buzz of the nearby plaza hums softly in the background.
At the helm is Marco Tagliabue, a familiar face in the local mixology scene, while Gianluca Lo Basso, the bar manager, brings his magic from Paradiso to offer a more relaxed yet captivating experience. One of Farola’s best-sellers is the Femme Fatale, a bold twist on the Bloody Mary. This recipe combines gin with Abruzzo pear tomatoes, sweet chili sauce, and lemon juice. The garnish of salt and the Middle Eastern spice sumac rounds out the drink, perfectly complementing the lively atmosphere of the bar.
Bloody Mary in Barcelona: The House Specialty
In the Gràcia neighborhood, Alessandro Pasquinucci has created a bar dedicated entirely to the Bloody Mary. Here, the classic cocktail—vodka, tomato juice, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper—is just the starting point. The menu features at least seven variations, each with its own unique character, updated seasonally. Every ingredient in Pasquinucci’s Bloody Mary comes from a farm just 20 minutes outside Barcelona, where tomatoes, vegetables, and fruit are cultivated for the Carrer de Blanes bar’s cocktail menu.
This love for nature is a family legacy: Alessandro’s father, Beppe, taught him how to “listen” to plants and appreciate their energy. This passion for a vegetal flavor shines through in the drinks. Must-tries include the El Ahumadito, made with mezcal, habanero Tabasco, orange, San Marzano tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of Tajin spices; the Caprese Mary, featuring gin, Cayenne Tabasco, San Marzano tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and burrata foam to top it off. Lastly the Bloody Sherry, with sherry infused with green pepper and cucumber, pimiento Tabasco, San Marzano tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, toasted bread, and oil. The laid-back vibe and Italian-inspired snacks make this cocktail bar a go-to spot for enthusiasts.
Bloody Mary in Barcelona, Foco: A Contemporary Alcohol-Free Vision
Foco, the latest addition to Barcelona’s scene, blends the electric energy of Foreign Correspondents’ Clubs with the expertise of bartenders who rotate behind the bar. In the heart of Gràcia, Foco transcends time, dissolving thoughts and conversations with each sip. Theo Quinn and Tom Godfrey, the duo behind this revolutionary concept in mixology, have crafted a bold fusion of tradition and innovation that appeals to cocktail veterans and newcomers alike.
Their take on the Bloody Mary presents a modern, alcohol-free version of the classic. Ingredients like alcohol-free botanical distillate, yuzu and wasabi, tomato, and coconut water give this sophisticated interpretation a punchy kick, perfect for those seeking a no-alcohol option.
14 De La Rosa: The Essence of the Classic
Tucked away in the residential streets of Gràcia, 14 De La Rosa is a gem of a café and cocktail bar, named after the street it calls home. Owner Dean Shury and his right-hand man, Terry Terrazas, have created an intimate, welcoming space where elegance blends with comfort.
The bar exudes unpretentious refinement, offering a genuine atmosphere that perfectly balances classic and laid-back vibes. Their meticulously crafted low-alcohol Bloody Mary features fino sherry, Mexican chili liqueur, miso tomato sauce, red pepper juice, lemon juice, a mix of spices, and a dash of black pepper—all balanced to perfection, leaving you wanting another round of this expertly made Bloody Mary.
Galileo: A Smoky Bloody Mary in Barcelona
In the upscale Eixample neighborhood, Galileo blends the art of mixology with the science of gastronomy. Here, Andrea Civettini’s Smoky Mary is a standout twist on the classic Bloody Mary, celebrated for its smoky flavor that has put the bar on the map beyond its home neighborhood.
Upon tasting, fire, salt, and peat explode on the palate, thanks to the powerful punch of a smoky Scottish whisky that forms the cocktail’s robust base. Cream sherry adds a sweet, velvety note that perfectly balances the intensity of the whisky. The tomato juice, a key component in any Bloody Mary, is enriched with a touch of balsamic vinegar, adding depth and complexity to the flavor. The freshness of lemon juice and the heat from Mexican seasoning and both green and red Tabasco sauces complete this multi-layered experience.
In short, Barcelona’s bars each add their own distinct twist to the Bloody Mary, creating a variety of flavors that reflect the vibrancy of the city and offer a fresh perspective on this beloved classic.
